Aesthetic

We all love a pamper session, why not try some old school homemade face masks?

While we have been in lock down, I have been thinking, what did they use before we had the luxury of medical cosmeceuticals or technology like microdermabrasion, lasers, and even the micro-needling devices. So, I did some research.

As mentioned in one of my previous articles, lactic acid peels were researched and developed after the theory of Cleopatra’s skin being soft and youthful from bathing in milk. As you may have seen on social media, Cherie and myself from Atlantic Dermatology and Laser have been embracing these remedies and sharing our fun with our followers. Now, many people must be thinking – “does it work, how does it work, and why don’t we use this method today?”

SO, firstly the beauty of being able to purchase products that are formulated correctly, is that you are guaranteed a quicker result as the ingredients work synergistically to penetrate your skin and activate your cells in the right layers of your skin. Besides, these masks are fun, but can get messy!

Here are some interesting ideas and combinations of ingredients that you may have in your home. The best part for me is getting your family involved, make it a fun activity for the kids and even more so, nourish and treat your skin at the same time.

Let’s open our fridges and grocery cupboards and see what we can find!

Avocado

This is an incredibly nutritious fruit, not only when consumed but also applied topically even on its own. Did you know that avocados contain more potassium than bananas? Avocado is loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, so these natural acids also play a role in gently exfoliating the skin, helping the cell activation process, therefore stimulating cell production, healing and collagen.

Bananas

These are packed with ingredients for great skin: vitamin A to fade dark spots and blemishes and smooth out rough skin, vitamin B to reduce dryness, vitamin E to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and potassium to moisturise and hydrate. So this fruit makes a perfect all-natural, homemade face mask that leaves skin looking and feeling softer.

Carrots

So just as much as the consumption of carrots may improve and help your eyesight, vitamin A is also important for maintaining bright, glowing skin, and aids in healing wounds, liver cleansing, and cell regeneration. Carrots are rich in vitamin A and they help prevent the overproduction of cells in the outer layer of the skin. That’s where excess sebum combines with dead cells and clogs pores.

Dark Chocolate

Now who doesn’t like chocolate… Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and flavonoids that promote glowing skin. The antioxidants in dark chocolate will help reduce roughness in your skin and protect it against sun damage.

Here are two amazing recipes to start your mask adventures.

Egg

For a little pampering, head to the refrigerator and grab an egg.
If you have dry skin that needs moisturizing, separate the egg and beat the yolk. Oily skin takes the egg white, to which a bit of lemon or honey can be added.
For normal skin, use the entire egg.
Apply the beaten egg, relax with some cucumber over your puffy or dry eyes and wait 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
You’ll love your new fresh face.

Grains

Oatmeal facial masks are amazing if you are looking for a quick pick-me-up that will leave you feeling and looking better, oatmeal is amazing for breakouts and oily skin.

How would you use this:

Combine 1/2 cup hot—not boiling—water and 1/3 cup oatmeal.
After the water and oatmeal have settled for two or three minutes
Mix in 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, and one small egg white.
Apply a thin layer of the mask to your face, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Then rinse with warm water. (Be sure to place a metal or plastic strainer in your sink to avoid clogging the drain with the granules.)

Why bother with expensive masks when you can make your own?

When you apply these raw ingredients to your skin, it is a slower and longer process of penetration than what you will get in a formulated product. Cosmeceuticals have been formulated to work synergistically and have undergone rigorous testing to ensure the effectiveness and quality of the product and each ingredient.

Remember that what you consume has an impact on your skin’s health! SO, stick to your healthy consumables and you will have topical and internal benefits of each ingredient!

Speak to one of our specialists about how we can help you fall in love with your skin again.

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Written By Skin & Laser Clinician Angie Chaplin

For as long as Angie can remember she has always been passionate about the Skin Care and Aesthetic industry. While completing her International Degree, she worked at various clinics to build as much experience and additional knowledge as possible. Once Angie had completed her International Degree in Somatology in 2011, she specialized in Aesthetic and Laser treatments. She has been privileged to work closely with Doctors and Dermatologists throughout her career, and has had the blessing of providing training for other Aesthetic Somatologists as well as Medical Practitioners within the industry. Angie has also worked with a large variety of lasers and machines, and believes that a combination of different treatments and products are always the key to quickly achieve optimal results.

Eugene